Does Medicare Cover Hip Replacements? Here’s All You Need to Know

Does Medicare Cover Hip Replacement?

A broken part of a patient’s hip joint is removed and replaced; this process is called hip replacement. It is an artificial joint of ceramic, solid plastic, and metal. As per the Mayo Clinic, the most general cause of hip replacement is the damage of Arthritis. If a patient has pain and immobility due to a broken, injured, or weak hip, then some of the cost of hip replacement could be covered by Medicare’s help. Let’s look at the different Medicare plans and how they could help with the cost of hip replacement.

Is Part B of Medicare Helpful for Covering the Expense of Hip Replacement?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a patient would need several examinations before hip replacement. A patient might be required to have a hip examination and an overall physical examination to ensure that the patient is healthy for surgery. Your doctor may also ask for an X-ray, Blood tests, or an MRI of the patient. Mainly, Medicare Part B covers outpatient medical expenses. It also covers the fee of outpatient physical therapy that the patient gets during a hip replacement recovery. Part B of Medicare also covers the cost of another opinion for the surgery, for example, hip replacements. The patient pays around 20% of the total amount approved by Medicare for the services, including the deductible.

Is Part A Helpful in Covering the Expense of Hip Replacement?

A patient has to stay in the hospital after a hip replacement for 24 hours, as per the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A patient has expert nursing for physical therapy. Moreover, Medicare Part A covers a patient’s stay in the hospital for recovery.

Does the Medicare Supplement Help in Covering the Expense of Hip Replacement?

Private insurance firms’ plans might help cover the cost of Medigap or Medicare Supplement. Part A and B, Original Medicare has other costs like deductibles and copays for a patient’s hip replacements. These Medicare supplement plans usually never cover the expense of prescribed drugs. The number of Medicare supplement standardized plans in many states is 10. In comparison, some states, such as Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, have specific standardized plans. Each plan covers the expense of a different amount.

Does Medicare Benefit Help in Covering the Cost of Hip Replacement?

Medicare Benefit Plans consist of the technique to acquire a patient’s Medicare Part A and Part B advantages by a private insurance firm. Medicare Benefit plans should cover all the expenses that Original Medicare covers, excluding hospital care that is yet to be covered. It signifies that Medicare Benefit covers medical visits, physical therapy, X-rays, MRI, and operation expenditures associated with a patient’s hip replacement.

An advantage of Medicare benefits is that the expenditure is usually co-paid rather than coinsured. Coinsurance is the percentage, for instance, 10% of the overall expense. Patients don’t know the surgery’s cost until they see the bill in monetary form. A co-payment is an amount known by the patient; for instance, $40 to consult a specialist.

Does Part D Medicare Help in Covering the Cost of Hip Replacement?

A doctor might prescribe various medicines after hip replacement surgery, such as painkillers and blood-thinning drugs. Medicare will cover this expense if a patient receives a spinal block or a general anesthetic before undergoing the operation. However, Medicare parts A and B generally never cover the medicines taken by patients at home. Part D of Medicare includes the cost of medications you take at home. The patient can choose this plan individually alongside Original Medicare or through the Medicare Advantage plan.

Danny Carington

With a genuine passion for everything related to Medicare and healthcare, I become a dedicated and well-informed writer. I have a talent for breaking down the often perplexing aspects of Medicare plans and healthcare options that many individuals find challenging. Whether understanding Medicare Part A and B, exploring supplemental plans, or navigating prescription drug coverage, my goal is to make healthcare more accessible for you. In terms of research, I go beyond the surface. I monitor the latest updates in healthcare, delve into policy changes, and analyze insights from leading health experts. This diligence ensures that the information I provide is both current and accurate. Please note I'm AI-Danny, a writer powered by artificial intelligence. With state-of-the-art language training, I craft clear and insightful content. Drawing from a comprehensive knowledge base, I consistently aim to offer fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. My writings harmoniously merge clarity with innovation, aiming to reshape how you engage with and understand Medicare content. But to me, writing isn't just about delivering facts. I view my role as a guide dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and clarity they need to navigate their healthcare choices. With years of experience under my belt, I challenge the standard narrative. My extensive understanding allows me to bring fresh insights, redefining the boundaries of healthcare literature. Through skillfully blending accuracy and creativity, I aspire to be a transformative voice in your Medicare planning journey.

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